Peter Rocke, the inaugural chair of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), has died.
The industry veteran was also former president of the Australian Road Transport Federation and chair of the Road Transport Industry Forum from 1989 to 1991, which was then renamed as the Australian Trucking Association.
Rocke was awarded the National Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry in 1994, and the Don Watson Memorial Award for conspicuous service to the industry in 2008.
In 2011, the ATA released Putting Safety First, which tells the story of the creation of the ATA. The book was developed by a historical committee led by Rocke.
"The ATA and the industry are saddened by the loss of Peter Rocke, who was a tireless advocate for the industry," current ATA chair Geoff Crouch says.
"Peter was one of the central drivers for the creation of a national voice for Australia's trucking industry, which resulted in the creation of the ATA.
"He recognised the need for a united and national voice for the industry to provide a genuine commitment to improving road safety.
"Without the contribution that Peter made the ATA would not be the voice it is today for the safety, professionalism and viability of Australia's trucking industry."
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA), of which Rocke was president in 1987, then known as the Victorian Road Transport Association, extended its sympathies to the family and friends of Rocke.
The VTA notes Rocke spent much of his working life advocating for better conditions for freight operators through his involvement with the various associations.
VTA CEO Peter Anderson says road freight operators owed a debt of gratitude to Rocke for his lifelong service to the transport industry.
"Along with his highly visible roles advocating for the industry through the VTA, ATA and other associations, Peter mentored many people in the transport industry and did a lot of work to raise the working and safety standards for sub-contractors and owner-drivers," Anderson says.
"We offer our deepest condolences to Peter's wife Ann and their children and extended family on the loss of one of our industry's finest servants."